Duomo (lucca) - Interior 1579

This marble sculpture of a reclining cherub was created by Giambologna for the Duomo in Lucca. Marble, prized for its purity and workability, was a favored material for Renaissance sculptors. Giambologna skillfully carved this piece, accentuating the cherub’s soft, fleshy form and the delicate folds of the drapery. The texture of the stone, polished to a smooth sheen, enhances the sculpture’s lifelike appearance. Think about the physical labor involved: quarrying the marble, transporting it, and then the slow, subtractive process of carving, using chisels, rasps, and drills. The creation of such a sculpture would have been a collaborative effort, involving not only the master sculptor but also numerous assistants and apprentices. By considering the material and the making, we can appreciate not only the artistic skill, but also the social and economic context in which it was produced.